B.C. records 89 new cases of COVID-19, the highest one-day case count in a month

B.C. health officials haveannounced 89 new cases of COVID-19 but no additional deaths, withthe seven day rolling average of new casesup 80 per centin the last two weeks.

The number of new cases announced Thursday is the highest since June 20.

The provincial government warned cases could increase slightly when restrictions were first lifted at the beginning of the month, but that COVID-19 vaccines were offeringvery good protection against the worst health outcomes.

In a written statement, the provincial Ministry of Health said there are currently 781active cases of people infected with the novel coronavirus in B.C.

A total of 53 people are in hospital, with15 in intensive care, up from 12 a week ago.

Overall hospitalizations, which typically lag behind spikes and dips in new cases, are downby about 16per cent from last Thursday, when 63people were in hospital with the disease.

The provincialdeath toll from the disease is now 1,763 lives lost out of 148,730 confirmed cases to date.

So far, 6,118,029doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered, including 2,605,052second doses.

The province says80per cent of all eligible residents12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose and 57 per centhave received a second dose.

Firefighters join vaccination campaign

Fourteen firefighters in Victoria have stepped up to administer vaccinations aftera mass clinicexperiencedstaffshortages.

"Helping to get more people vaccinated sooner is a meaningful way we can protect public safety and support the important work Island Health is doing to keep us all healthy," said acting fire chief Daniel Atkinson in a statement.

Fraser Health Region and Vancouver Coastal Health Region have also deployedoff-duty firefighters to maximize the number of vaccinations provided to the public.

Vaccinations critical

B.C. health officials have stressed the importance of vaccinations to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

Anyone in B.C. who has not yet registered to be immunized is asked to do so now.

Registration can be doneonlinethrough the "Get Vaccinated" portal, by calling 1-833-838-2323, or in person at anyService B.C. location.